1971 Datsun 240Z

#29039. S/N HLS3028680. 62k indicated miles. “Replacement 2.4-liter inline 6, 4-speed manual transmission, dark green over black vinyl, reupholstered seats, 15-inch Konig wheels, MSA exhaust system, adjustable coil-overs.” Condition: 2. SOLD AT $21,500. Bring a Trailer, 3/16/2020.

Brian’s take: The developing coronavirus pandemic could well push down prices of mass-produced collectible cars. Datsun built a LOT of 240Z cars.

This 240Z is a great driver. It has a fresh repaint and rust repair, adjustable coil-overs and an aftermarket exhaust. The car has some perfectly fine upgrades while also being in very nice shape. So why did it fall short of $30k–$40k? The coronavirus probably knocked down much of the demand for this car. The auction ended on the day we hit almost 5,000 cases in the United States. Had this been a few weeks earlier, it could have brought more, so the buyer got a good deal here. Well bought.

1996 Honda Civic del Sol VTEC

#29332. S/N JHMEG2171TS000136. 126,000 miles. “1.6-liter DOHC inline 4, 5-speed manual transmission, green over black cloth, removable roof panel, power rear window.” Condition: 2+. SOLD AT $8,000. Bring a Trailer, 3/23/2020.

Brian’s take: The Honda Civic del Sol is a 2-seater convertible that was only offered in the Civic’s fifth generation. It is actually considered a third-gen CRX in other parts of the world, but I think renaming the car in the U.S. market fits the transformation to the convertible.

Within Honda circles, the del Sol is, well, okay, but it is not as desirable as a hatchback or coupe of the same generation. This car has the best features the del Sol offered. The higher trim level VTEC in this year came with the B16A3 DOHC VTEC engine, producing 160 hp and 118 ft-lb of torque. While these are not very exciting numbers to most people, in the Honda world it beats the base-model D15B7 with 102 hp and 98 ft-lb of torque. I still feel like EG (fifth-generation) Civics will become collectible someday soon, and this is one of the best Civic del Sols you could get. This car is well sold and bought for now.

1995 Toyota Supra

#29147. S/N JT2JA82J8S0023799. 15,000 miles. “Twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6, 6-speed manual transmission, limited-slip differential, black over black leather, timing belt replaced in February 2020, factory 17-inch wheels, removable Sport Roof panel.” Condition: 1. SOLD AT $126,000. Bring a Trailer, 3/18/2020.

Brian’s take: Even a fast-moving global pandemic can’t crush enthusiasm when a desirable car — in very rare condition — comes to auction. While this sale didn’t set a new record for an MK4 Supra, it does confirm that good examples of this car are top-notch collectibles. This sale also affirms that mileage, transmission and originality play a big role in price. A similar car (Lot 29108) — but with a 4-speed automatic, 86k miles and some aftermarket parts — sold a day earlier for $37,000. If you are looking for a driver, look for a cheaper car with higher mileage.

Our subject car, with great equipment and low, low miles, is solidly a collector. I consider it well sold. ♦

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